Welcome to the home of the
  Lake Balboa Neighborhood Council!
 

Press Conference, Free Ham Radio Classes, and EP Meeting News

Watch for a Press Conference on Channel 2 and possibly Channel 9 with Councilman Greig Smith, Councilwoman/Acting Mayor Wendy Gruel, Captain Stacy Gerlich, Fire Officials, and many of your favorite CERT volunteers concerning the "Shake-up Call" we experienced this week, preparedness by all Los Angelenos, and how/why we should ALL get involved with CERT!

Many of us already know, and we are all being reminded, how important communications will be when the "really" big one hits, and in any major disaster. Not all of us are physically able to take part in search and rescue efforts, triage, or even advanced first aid, but many/most of us CAN be involved with this vital necessity. Please see below for information on FREE HAM RADIO CLASSES that will begin in September, and consider signing up NOW.

And don't forget our Emergency Preparedness Meeting THIS SATURDAY morning, 9:00 AM at the Flyaway! If you missed the earlier email, please see the attached agenda and plan to join us! Remember -- preparedness may be a matter of life and death -- and it will certainly determine whether you and your family come through a disaster in relative comfort or not! Don't forget the prize for the person who brings the most neighbors to the meeting!


The Los Angeles Police Department, Councilmember Tony Cardenas, and the Lake Balboa Neighborhood Council

Invites one and all to attend

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

"A Walk for Safer Streets"

An event geared to show "Unity in the Community" and outreach into the community for Neighborhood Watch.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008
6:30 p.m.

FREE FOOD
FREE TOYS

Bassett Elementary School
15756 Bassett Street
Lake Balboa, CA 91406


The reason for this yearly event is to help reduce crime and violence in our neighborhood. Please come and join us with your Police Officers from our Van Nuys Community Police Station.

For information, please call:

Officer Saul Paredes - (818) 731-2554
Officer Dave Ham - (818) 731-2551


Capture Lake Balboa
Photo and Image Contest

Photograph, paint, draw, record, or capture the best of Lake Balboa!

Now through October 1, 2008.  All visual mediums are welcome.  Winning images will be featured on the limited edition Lake Balboa 2009 Calendar,
and will be proudly displayed on our website and at community events!  There will be a Grand Winner, 1st and 2nd Place, and 9 other winners with honors for all!!

For more info, visit our Contests page.


Learn to Skateboard at Pedlow Skate Park This Summer

Pedlow Skate Park offers a skate camp and one-day classes where participants can learn how to sharpen their skills, learn new tricks, and learn to be safer skaters.

Participants in any of the classes or the camp must bring their own skateboard and safety equipment. Children under 18 years old must have an adult sign a waiver in person.

Saturday Group Skate Classes
Ages 5 to adult
Every Saturday, 9:30 am to 11:00 am
$15 per person

Summer Skate Camp
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to noon
(Ends August 29)
$130 per person per week, or $40 for a single day

Pedlow Skate Park
17334 Victory Boulevard (1 block east of Louise)
Lake Balboa, CA



For info call Chris Mahoney at (818) 266-6991 or email Chris.Mahoney@lacity.org


Clean Money Public Funding System Workshop
Want a More Accountable City Government?

Should the City adopt a system of full public funding of campaigns?
How would a full public funding system work in Los Angeles?

The Lake Balboa Neighborhood Council invites you to participate in a workshop to discuss whether LA should make a major change in the way election campaigns are financed.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008
7 – 9pm

Lake Balboa Studios
7412 Balboa Blvd.
Lake Balboa, CA 91406

How can Public Funding allow NEW PEOPLE WITH GOOD IDEAS to run?
How can Public Funding LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD?
How strict should PUBLIC FUNDING spending limits be?

Other cities and states use Clean Money full public funding. In a Clean Money election system, candidates who agree to spending limits and who agree to take no private contributions would qualify for a set amount of money from a public election fund. They would not be allowed to raise or spend additional money beyond what they receive from the fund.

GOALS OF FULL PUBLIC FUNDING OF ELECTIONS
 Higher participation by voters and candidates
 Truly competitive and fair campaigns on a level playing field.
 More women and minorities running for office
 Limit special interest money in campaigns

For more information, click on the following links:


Get Involved:
The Dept. of Parks and Recreation is Forming a New Committee and Seeks Your Participation

The City of Los Angeles Deptartment of Parks and Recreation invites you to join the "Make A Difference Committee." We are planning to create a hands-on group of responsible individuals to solve Lake Balboa issues. If you are interested in volunteering, please call Abel Perez: (818) 756-8190.


Voice Your Opinion Regarding the I-405/US-101 Improvement Project

The new 405/101 Caltrans interchange construction WILL affect your quality of life in Lake Balboa. ACT NOW TO MAKE AN IMPACT. Caltrans must receive your letter by May 28, 2008, so mail it TODAY urging your choice for the option they will build. Click here for a letter template and addresses.

The Lake Balboa Neighborhood Council passed a resolution to advise Caltrans to choose option one, or not to build at all, in a Special Meeting on Wednesday, June 21, largely because of the least impact (of the options) it would have on the wildlife area. A letter from newly elected LBNC President David Bernardoni was sent to Caltrans’ Deputy District Director Ronald Kosinski. Click here to read the letter.

There are three options Caltrans will choose from to improve the interchange of the San Diego Freeway (I-405) and the Ventura Freeway (U.S. 101). Click here for details of the plan and options.

LBNC is also sending letters to all elected officials who have jurisdiction over this area – City Council District 6 - Tony Cardenas, Councilman, Congressman Brad Sherman - Representing the 27th District of California, Assemblymember Lloyd E. Levine - 40th Assembly District. Click here for addresses for these elected officials.

Stakeholders are encouraged to write their elected officials because of the strong influence they will have on this project, even though it may be too late to send a comment to Caltrans.  The letters posted here echo the LBNC's choice of Option 1, or No Build.  Your message may be different.

We urge you to send a copy of your letter to every elected official.
This is your village – be proud – be active. Thank you.


Griffith Park Burn Area Wildlife Habitat Restoration Project

Dear Neighbors,

Griffith Park’s wildlife needs your help!

Please join in the effort to help Griffith Park recover from the fire. Volunteers are needed for habitat restoration.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays this spring, volunteers will be removing invasive plants that are quickly overgrowing the burn area.  These invasive plants are competing with the native plants for light, water, and nutrients.  The wildlife of Griffith Park needs you to help the native plants that provide their food, water, and shelter.

We will begin with a training about native and non-native plants in Griffith Park, so don't be late! If you have them, please bring your own gloves and/or pruners. A limited supply of gloves and tools will be available (most work can be easily done by hand). Please make sure to wear long- sleeved shirts, long pants, and sturdy, closed-toed shoes. You may also need sunglasses, sunblock, and a hat.

School teachers (6th grade and up) are encouraged to volunteer with their classes and can contact their regular transportation providers for free or reduced school-day-use of their school buses for this service learning field trip.

For more information, or to arrange specific times, dates, parking, etc., please contact:

Andrea Epstein, Volunteer Coordinator
Department of Recreation and Parks
Email: andrea.epstein@lacity.org
Tel: 213.928.9290


Lake Balboa Neighborhood Boundaries